Tomorrow night is New Year's Eve! I must admit that it's a holiday that was more exciting when I was a kid and got to stay up until midnight. As an adult, it's not that thrilling, especially since I don't drink. Though the one time I did go to Times Square, pre-9/11, was pretty awesome. However, I am very excited to kiss the old year goodbye and welcome the new one with open arms.
This past year was both good and bad, though it seemed more filled with the latter. The whole job change and all that it entailed, various health issues, family drama (never a dull moment with my clan!), and so on. But, as with all things, I grew and learned a lot along the way. I am sure I wouldn't have improved in those ways had I not been forced to. And I am glad I did. Still, I will be happy as can be to kiss the old year goodbye.
Sure, it means another year I'll be turning older and my kids will be growing even faster, but it also means another year with my wonderful husband and adorable children. Who knows what adventures await? Good bye 2009 and bring it on 2010! May you all have a Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Jacob!
Jacob turned 1 the day after Christmas. I can't believe my little guy is a year old! We feel so blessed to have him in our family. He is such a social, happy little man. He knows how to make us smile and laugh with his cute antics. He has lots of fans at church too. Life just wouldn't be the same without him in our home.
He wasn't too sure about the whole birthday thing after having just gone through Christmas. But his Jimmy had fun helping him open gifts. Jacob had more fun playing with his birthday cake than eating it. I love the disgusted/ confused look on his face when he is playing with the cake. Happy Birthday Jacob!
He wasn't too sure about the whole birthday thing after having just gone through Christmas. But his Jimmy had fun helping him open gifts. Jacob had more fun playing with his birthday cake than eating it. I love the disgusted/ confused look on his face when he is playing with the cake. Happy Birthday Jacob!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Tomorrow is the big day! My kids are bursting with anticipation. I love the magic of Christmas. In the next few days there will be a lot of smiles, hugs, eating, and reflecting. Life is good and we are very blessed. No matter what is going on in our lives, we know that Christ really did come to the earth and lived and died for us. Nothing can give us greater joy and peace. My life didn't really begin until I found the Gospel and I would sacrifice everything for my testimony. What a precious gift. I hope during the chaos and fun we take time to reflect the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the sweet innocent babe who would grow to become the Savior of us all. Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I am Supermom!
I never back away from a challenge. I am insane that way. So when my five year-old's beloved Boy Baby doll fell apart after two years of heavy loving, I said to myself "I can fix this!" Mind you, I am not a seamstress or know the first thing about making dolls, but I was up for the adventure thinking I could handle it since I have basic sewing skills and a lot of determination.
We had toyed with the idea of just getting a new doll. The problem is that they are no longer made, which means the cheapest we could find was $100. Um, no. But we had to do something since Boy Baby is Rachel's security and love. He has gone to Disneyland twice, Pennsylvania once, church more times than I can count, and preschool every day last year. Living without him is not an option.
So I got out my sewing supplies and jumped right in. My task entailed cutting off the plastic limbs of Boy from his torn body and attaching them to a new Sue made one. After just a day, I am proud to say that Boy Baby is new and improved with a red body. It's not perfect, but it works. My fingers are sore from pushing the needle through his plastic limbs, but seeing the smile on Rachel's face when I handed her the finished doll is well worth the discomfort. I may not be breaking headlines or moving mountains in my daily work, but I am bringing joy and love to my children, which is far more priceless.
Another challenge down and many more to go. Bring it on because I am Supermom!
We had toyed with the idea of just getting a new doll. The problem is that they are no longer made, which means the cheapest we could find was $100. Um, no. But we had to do something since Boy Baby is Rachel's security and love. He has gone to Disneyland twice, Pennsylvania once, church more times than I can count, and preschool every day last year. Living without him is not an option.
So I got out my sewing supplies and jumped right in. My task entailed cutting off the plastic limbs of Boy from his torn body and attaching them to a new Sue made one. After just a day, I am proud to say that Boy Baby is new and improved with a red body. It's not perfect, but it works. My fingers are sore from pushing the needle through his plastic limbs, but seeing the smile on Rachel's face when I handed her the finished doll is well worth the discomfort. I may not be breaking headlines or moving mountains in my daily work, but I am bringing joy and love to my children, which is far more priceless.
Another challenge down and many more to go. Bring it on because I am Supermom!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Great Description of Motherhood
This comic made me chuckle because it is so true. Click on it to make it bigger and more reader friendly.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Interesting Tidbits
- My husband's friend is a manager at a local retail store. He was telling Marshall that Christmas Eve day is called "man day" in retail stores because it is the day men go shopping for Christmas. They always make sure to have extra staff working the floor to help their male shoppers find that perfect gift. I find this hilarious.
- Kirk Maxey may have fathered up to 400 children through his sperm donations. From 1980-1994 he visited his local Michigan sperm bank twice a week to donate. Eeek! That's just scary! But Maxey is working to have legislature passed to stop this from happening with others after he realized how many children he possibly has fathered. Ick!
- Why are liberal people so crabby? A local person wrote in to our paper today complaining about how adults believing in God is just plain scary. It's cute when kids do it, but disturbing for grown-ups. Gimme a break! Let me celebrate in my way and you do it in your way. Don't be such a dork about it.
- Some have called Tiger Woods racist because none of his affairs were with black women. Um, okay. Would that make it more acceptable if he had been sleeping around with women of his same color?
- Others have defended Tiger, saying that maybe he just has a condition where he needs to be with numerous women. So if I am a drug addict then I should be able to use until I die of an overdose, right? I just have a problem, but it's okay. Let's legalize all our vices!
- I am so sick of "open minded people" saying I am close minded for having my own beliefs. I thought being open meant you accepted every one's beliefs and let them be happy in them. Don't these "free thinkers" realize they are just as close minded as the rest of us apparently are because they are busy forcing their doctrine on us?
- Another good reason not to drink. A man in Sandusky, Ohio paid $72 for one taco at Taco Bell. He was drunk and refused to take his change from the worker, saying instead "Merry Christmas". So far he hasn't come back in to claim his money. Probably because he doesn't remember it happening! Taco Bell is good for cravings, but not $72 good.
- Kirk Maxey may have fathered up to 400 children through his sperm donations. From 1980-1994 he visited his local Michigan sperm bank twice a week to donate. Eeek! That's just scary! But Maxey is working to have legislature passed to stop this from happening with others after he realized how many children he possibly has fathered. Ick!
- Why are liberal people so crabby? A local person wrote in to our paper today complaining about how adults believing in God is just plain scary. It's cute when kids do it, but disturbing for grown-ups. Gimme a break! Let me celebrate in my way and you do it in your way. Don't be such a dork about it.
- Some have called Tiger Woods racist because none of his affairs were with black women. Um, okay. Would that make it more acceptable if he had been sleeping around with women of his same color?
- Others have defended Tiger, saying that maybe he just has a condition where he needs to be with numerous women. So if I am a drug addict then I should be able to use until I die of an overdose, right? I just have a problem, but it's okay. Let's legalize all our vices!
- I am so sick of "open minded people" saying I am close minded for having my own beliefs. I thought being open meant you accepted every one's beliefs and let them be happy in them. Don't these "free thinkers" realize they are just as close minded as the rest of us apparently are because they are busy forcing their doctrine on us?
- Another good reason not to drink. A man in Sandusky, Ohio paid $72 for one taco at Taco Bell. He was drunk and refused to take his change from the worker, saying instead "Merry Christmas". So far he hasn't come back in to claim his money. Probably because he doesn't remember it happening! Taco Bell is good for cravings, but not $72 good.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Hopeless, completely hopeless
My brain has really turned to mush and the scary thing is that I am fully aware of it. I have a "mom brain", which has gotten progressively worse with each child that comes into our lives. Not only do they take my energy, but also my mind power.
You see, this morning Marshall was looking around the kitchen for the butter to put on some toast. Having just used it to butter Rachel's toast, I told him to check in the fridge or on the counter. No such luck. Then I told him to try looking in a cupboards because maybe I put it in there instead. (That's the scary part people. I was fully aware of my having done that before.) And low and behold, where did he find the butter? In the cupboard. Oh my. Thank goodness I got my degree before children because I do not know if there is any hope for me now. It's amazing I still have a driver's license.
You see, this morning Marshall was looking around the kitchen for the butter to put on some toast. Having just used it to butter Rachel's toast, I told him to check in the fridge or on the counter. No such luck. Then I told him to try looking in a cupboards because maybe I put it in there instead. (That's the scary part people. I was fully aware of my having done that before.) And low and behold, where did he find the butter? In the cupboard. Oh my. Thank goodness I got my degree before children because I do not know if there is any hope for me now. It's amazing I still have a driver's license.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A New Understanding of Cleaving
After nine and half years of marriage, at the ripe old age of thirty, I am reminded that there is still a lot I have to learn when it comes to my eternal relationship and what the Lord asks of me. The funny thing is that sometimes this comes as a surprise to me. Right, like after all this time I have it all figured out. That short period of nine and a half years is more like one dot on a Georges Seurat painting when it comes to the eternal scheme of things.
I have been going through something like an identity crisis all of my adult life. With a family that has chosen a different path than myself, I have often felt that I did not belong. The reaction to my Gospel based lifestyle has created a rift between me and some of my family. I haven't been in the "in" group with my mother and sisters and have experienced a great sadness from longing to connect. It has often felt that nothing I ever did would be good enough or matter. Recent events have made this isolation even more apparent, causing me to wonder how and if I fit into that part of my family at all.
Then I had one those "duh" moments that have come to me often during my life because, sadly, I do not know everything. The thought came to me that by worrying about feeling a part of my family, I was failing to fully "cleave" to my husband as the scriptures counsel in Genesis 2:24:
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
There's a lot more to that scripture than just the physical sense of oneness. I've often pondered the many meanings behind it so as to be a better wife and just recently peeled back another layer from it's almost endless message.
All this time that I have been trying to feel a part of my family, seeking to feel that connection of belonging, I was looking in the wrong place. I shouldn't have been looking towards them for affirmation and approval. Once I married my husband, we formed a new and separate family from that of my birth. He became my family and, therefore, of greater importance to me than my parents or siblings. I thought I had that part covered until I realized how my seeking a sense of belonging to my family of origin was keeping me from cleaving to my husband.
No matter how much I love my mother and sisters and how much I wish we could all be dear friends, our lives have led us in different directions that have not allowed it to be so. Of course, this hurts. But instead of letting it get me down, I realized that I need to remember that I do belong to a family and have a very important place in that unit. Regardless of what my former family may think of me or where our paths lead us, I will always be a part of a family with my husband and children. Where I need to look for affirmation, love, and acceptance is not from my mother or siblings, but rather from my husband. He is my family and we are one. To do otherwise would risk breaking our oneness.
I cannot tell you how liberating and happy this realization makes me. No longer do I feel the crushing weight of the division between me and my family of origin. No longer am I overcome with the sadness of being isolated, of not belonging, to a family. If I truly want to follow the counsel to "cleave" as the scripture states, then my focus and efforts should be towards the family of my husband and myself. Without him I cannot return to live with my Father in Heaven again and will truly be alone.
What a comforting thought to know that I do belong to family. And that the greatest happiness, love, and reward I can receive is by cleaving to that family and none else, no matter the cost.
I have been going through something like an identity crisis all of my adult life. With a family that has chosen a different path than myself, I have often felt that I did not belong. The reaction to my Gospel based lifestyle has created a rift between me and some of my family. I haven't been in the "in" group with my mother and sisters and have experienced a great sadness from longing to connect. It has often felt that nothing I ever did would be good enough or matter. Recent events have made this isolation even more apparent, causing me to wonder how and if I fit into that part of my family at all.
Then I had one those "duh" moments that have come to me often during my life because, sadly, I do not know everything. The thought came to me that by worrying about feeling a part of my family, I was failing to fully "cleave" to my husband as the scriptures counsel in Genesis 2:24:
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
There's a lot more to that scripture than just the physical sense of oneness. I've often pondered the many meanings behind it so as to be a better wife and just recently peeled back another layer from it's almost endless message.
All this time that I have been trying to feel a part of my family, seeking to feel that connection of belonging, I was looking in the wrong place. I shouldn't have been looking towards them for affirmation and approval. Once I married my husband, we formed a new and separate family from that of my birth. He became my family and, therefore, of greater importance to me than my parents or siblings. I thought I had that part covered until I realized how my seeking a sense of belonging to my family of origin was keeping me from cleaving to my husband.
No matter how much I love my mother and sisters and how much I wish we could all be dear friends, our lives have led us in different directions that have not allowed it to be so. Of course, this hurts. But instead of letting it get me down, I realized that I need to remember that I do belong to a family and have a very important place in that unit. Regardless of what my former family may think of me or where our paths lead us, I will always be a part of a family with my husband and children. Where I need to look for affirmation, love, and acceptance is not from my mother or siblings, but rather from my husband. He is my family and we are one. To do otherwise would risk breaking our oneness.
I cannot tell you how liberating and happy this realization makes me. No longer do I feel the crushing weight of the division between me and my family of origin. No longer am I overcome with the sadness of being isolated, of not belonging, to a family. If I truly want to follow the counsel to "cleave" as the scripture states, then my focus and efforts should be towards the family of my husband and myself. Without him I cannot return to live with my Father in Heaven again and will truly be alone.
What a comforting thought to know that I do belong to family. And that the greatest happiness, love, and reward I can receive is by cleaving to that family and none else, no matter the cost.
'The Samurai's Garden"
A beautifully written novel, "The Samurai's Garden" takes one through a journey of growth and understanding. Stephan is sent from China to Japan, during the Japanese invasion, to recover from illness in his family's summer home. There he learns more about himself and what really matters in life. Tsukiyama transport her readers to the little seaside town Tarumi and into the lives of four of its local residents to tell an unforgettable story. She is an expert story teller. A must read!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Mom-outage
We're experiencing a power outage at my home. I know, you say, "But how can you write on your computer if there is no power?" I should clarify. I am experiencing a power outage, a "mom-outage" if you will. Any energy I had when I got out of bed this morning was washed down the drain with my shampoo suds. After caring for a sick child yesterday it seems my turn has come to fall ill.
It makes me really wish that we were having a house-wide power outage or at least some energy conservation going on. A "pause button" on the children perhaps. It would be something only used for rare occasions, like when mom is sick and needs to rest. I promise I wouldn't use it to check email or get my floors mopped without interruption. I would only use that pause feature in my children when I am sick.
Kids are so funny because when you tell them you are sick, which is an attempt to beg mercy for your slow moving state, you might as well tell be telling them the sky is blue. So you're sick, does that mean I shouldn't be yelling at my brother or terrorizing the baby? He moves and he's cute, but he is not a toy! Do not shut him in your room and leave him alone! When we have "mom-outages" we should also declare a "no war zone" in the house. No fighting, no yelling, and no messes. Just sit on the couch all day and read quietly while the maid cleans and the chef cooks you lunch.
But it's not to be so. "Mom-outages" happen and such is life. Hopefully I'll be restored to "full power" by tomorrow.
It makes me really wish that we were having a house-wide power outage or at least some energy conservation going on. A "pause button" on the children perhaps. It would be something only used for rare occasions, like when mom is sick and needs to rest. I promise I wouldn't use it to check email or get my floors mopped without interruption. I would only use that pause feature in my children when I am sick.
Kids are so funny because when you tell them you are sick, which is an attempt to beg mercy for your slow moving state, you might as well tell be telling them the sky is blue. So you're sick, does that mean I shouldn't be yelling at my brother or terrorizing the baby? He moves and he's cute, but he is not a toy! Do not shut him in your room and leave him alone! When we have "mom-outages" we should also declare a "no war zone" in the house. No fighting, no yelling, and no messes. Just sit on the couch all day and read quietly while the maid cleans and the chef cooks you lunch.
But it's not to be so. "Mom-outages" happen and such is life. Hopefully I'll be restored to "full power" by tomorrow.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Snow!
It snowed Friday night! We woke up Saturday to find our yard looking like this:
I know, not tons, but enough for the kids to have fun with. Too bad it ended up turning to rain.
I know, not tons, but enough for the kids to have fun with. Too bad it ended up turning to rain.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Pot calling the Kettle black
Everyone is in an uproar over Tiger Woods and his harem of mistresses. I find this all so fascinating because I didn't know America had morals anymore. What makes us condone and overlook the bad behavior of one celebrity and then demand outlaw justice for that of another? Is there a limit to how many mistresses is acceptable? Or are we just mad because Tiger isn't the clean cut athlete he always wanted us to believe?
We have no problem leaving our children to raise themselves, exposing them to all kinds of corruptive media, behavior, and fashion trends. Certainly we don't have the right to tell our kids what to do because that would be imposing on their freedom, their individuality, but we expect our celebrities to be everything they claim and more.
It's close minded and prejudiced to say a same gender marriage is wrong. How old fashioned to think that relationships should only between a man and a woman. And don't even mention pre-marital sex. Chastity before marriage is a thing of the past, something only our great grandparents knew about. If it feels good, do it, but not if you're Tiger.
Me thinks there is some hypocrisy afoot.
Now I in no way condone our recently fallen golf star's behavior. It's disgusting and wrong. It makes me wonder about the mental and sexual health of a man who goes through women like Kleenex. I mean, really, did you think you wouldn't get caught? Are we that stupid? Did you ever think that the more women you entertained, the higher your chances for discovery were? Obviously, someone was thinking with his pants rather than his brain.
That being said, I find it highly amusing that we as a society have all of a sudden become self-righteous. "Shame on you, Tiger!" As if none of the rest of those finger pointing critics wouldn't or haven't participated in immoral behavior if given the chance. Let's take some time to look inward and realize perhaps we need to clean up our own lives. Perhaps we should stop allowing our daughters to dress like hookers and our sons to run around with their pants sagging down to their ankles. Maybe we should stop promoting movies, music, and books that are all about sex, drugs, and dishonesty. Teaching our children that chastity is a good thing. We could focus more on others and less about "me, me, me"! Perhaps we could even be so daring as to stand firm in our moral convictions, not being afraid to call bad things bad. I know, I am crazy.
I just think before we go around belittling other people's behavior, we need to take a look at our own. We should all try playing by the same rules. If we want Tiger to take responsibility for his loose behavior then we need to start being accountable for our own.
We have no problem leaving our children to raise themselves, exposing them to all kinds of corruptive media, behavior, and fashion trends. Certainly we don't have the right to tell our kids what to do because that would be imposing on their freedom, their individuality, but we expect our celebrities to be everything they claim and more.
It's close minded and prejudiced to say a same gender marriage is wrong. How old fashioned to think that relationships should only between a man and a woman. And don't even mention pre-marital sex. Chastity before marriage is a thing of the past, something only our great grandparents knew about. If it feels good, do it, but not if you're Tiger.
Me thinks there is some hypocrisy afoot.
Now I in no way condone our recently fallen golf star's behavior. It's disgusting and wrong. It makes me wonder about the mental and sexual health of a man who goes through women like Kleenex. I mean, really, did you think you wouldn't get caught? Are we that stupid? Did you ever think that the more women you entertained, the higher your chances for discovery were? Obviously, someone was thinking with his pants rather than his brain.
That being said, I find it highly amusing that we as a society have all of a sudden become self-righteous. "Shame on you, Tiger!" As if none of the rest of those finger pointing critics wouldn't or haven't participated in immoral behavior if given the chance. Let's take some time to look inward and realize perhaps we need to clean up our own lives. Perhaps we should stop allowing our daughters to dress like hookers and our sons to run around with their pants sagging down to their ankles. Maybe we should stop promoting movies, music, and books that are all about sex, drugs, and dishonesty. Teaching our children that chastity is a good thing. We could focus more on others and less about "me, me, me"! Perhaps we could even be so daring as to stand firm in our moral convictions, not being afraid to call bad things bad. I know, I am crazy.
I just think before we go around belittling other people's behavior, we need to take a look at our own. We should all try playing by the same rules. If we want Tiger to take responsibility for his loose behavior then we need to start being accountable for our own.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The perfect gift for your man
I went to the store in search for a white elephant gift and found the following, which I immediately purchased:
Could I ask for a better gift? "Bod Man", body spray for men that will turn guys into sexy studs. I love it! I mean, is this a serious business? I did find it at Wal-mart, but one has to wonder what the marketing people were thinking because it seems like such a joke. I love the women on the box that are quoted saying "I want your Bod." Classic. Will someone buy it as a gift for their hunk-o-love? It comes with three body sprays. The first is called "Black" and is black. Oh, creative! Next we have "Money". It's green. I wonder if I spray that on my man instead of chest hairs he'll sprout cash. The best is the body fragrance called "Ripped Abs". Does that mean you are supposed to spray it on your stomach and it will give you a wash board stomach? Oh my! Maybe Marshall will win it in the gift exchange and we can see if it works. I doubt it, especially since my hubby doesn't need a spray to make him hot.
But ladies, if you are in need for the perfect gift for your man, look no further. I can even pick you up a pack if you want!
Could I ask for a better gift? "Bod Man", body spray for men that will turn guys into sexy studs. I love it! I mean, is this a serious business? I did find it at Wal-mart, but one has to wonder what the marketing people were thinking because it seems like such a joke. I love the women on the box that are quoted saying "I want your Bod." Classic. Will someone buy it as a gift for their hunk-o-love? It comes with three body sprays. The first is called "Black" and is black. Oh, creative! Next we have "Money". It's green. I wonder if I spray that on my man instead of chest hairs he'll sprout cash. The best is the body fragrance called "Ripped Abs". Does that mean you are supposed to spray it on your stomach and it will give you a wash board stomach? Oh my! Maybe Marshall will win it in the gift exchange and we can see if it works. I doubt it, especially since my hubby doesn't need a spray to make him hot.
But ladies, if you are in need for the perfect gift for your man, look no further. I can even pick you up a pack if you want!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"Hulk Hair"
I know I'm not the only one, who as a child, anxiously awaited the weekly airing of "The Incredible Hulk". I thought there was nothing that could stop the Hulk. It was so cool to watch Bruce Banner lose his control and morph into the big mean green guy. He could kick major butt and smash up anything. A kid's dream!
The other day I was driving and saw these three teenage boys goofing off on their way home from school. As they tackled each other in their obnoxiously tight fitting and hideous jeans, their long feathered hair bounced in the win; immediately bringing to my memory the Incredible Hulk. They had, which I have affectionately dubbed, "Hulk hair"! That nasty feathered, teased hair, minus the green. The one thing I hated about the Hulk was his silly hair and these guys looked just as ridiculous as that actor did back on the show. I don't understand the look with teenage boys of having shaggy feathery hair. It's totally unflattering. I mean it's an awkward enough time of life when your face and body are going through all sorts of changes, let alone adding to it by wearing long fluffy hair. Not helping the situation! Whenever I see a guy with that nasty "Hulk hair", I just want to bust out my clippers and go to town on his hideous head. It looks like they spend more time on their hair than I do, which isn't much. That's just plain scary. If I were a young woman I would have no problem avoiding the guys because they'd be too repulsive to tempt me. Guys who had hair longer than our own or who spent too much time styling their locks were not dating material.
Who knows what will be in style when my kids get older. But if "Hulk Hair" is still in, I will feel pretty sorry for my girls and have very unpopular clean cut boys.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Not all Songs are for Christmas
It's the Christmas season and that means the radio is full of holiday music. But there are some songs that are deemed "Christmas music" that have always grated on my nerves.
I'm not talking about the various renditions of classics by popular artists that make me want to scream in pain, seriously how nasally can we make "Silent Night" before my head pops? (gag) I'm talking about lyrics. Take "Home for the Holidays". It's a cute song, but there is one line that always bothers me. "From Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific." Really? Maybe if you're on crack. I really think someone slipped something extra into this writer's egg nog because the traffic is never "terrific" on the holidays. It's nightmarish, enough to make one curl up in a ball and hide in the trunk. I avoid traveling during holidays like I do the plague.
Then there are the holiday songs filled with winey celebrities. They go something like "You're all evil because it's Christmas and people in Africa don't even know and you get to cuddle up in you warm house with your gifts and are such jerks. You should listen to us and give all your money to these poor people. Just ignore the fact that we're celebrities and only singing a stupid song when we have millions we could give. We'll bug you instead." Yeah, I love those cheesy-trying-to-make-you-feel-guilty songs about as much as I love my yearly check-up with my OBGYN.
There's also a group of songs that have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they mention "snow" or "Christmas" once in the lyrics. Like this one song I heard the other day on the radio about two ex-lovers meeting in the frozen food section of the grocery store, trying to catch up, but feeling a void in their lives from a love that never lasted. At the end the snow outside turns to rain. Oh, I feel the cheer from that one! Excuse me while I go drown my sorrows with a jug of eggnog and a carton of truffles.
Seriously people, Christmas is a fun and wonderful holiday that celebrates the birth of the Savior and the magic of imagination and giving embodied in Santa Claus. These are happy things. I want my Christmas music to be beautiful, inspiring, and fun. None of this winy, preachy, depressing garbage. That's not what Christmas is about.
I'm not talking about the various renditions of classics by popular artists that make me want to scream in pain, seriously how nasally can we make "Silent Night" before my head pops? (gag) I'm talking about lyrics. Take "Home for the Holidays". It's a cute song, but there is one line that always bothers me. "From Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific." Really? Maybe if you're on crack. I really think someone slipped something extra into this writer's egg nog because the traffic is never "terrific" on the holidays. It's nightmarish, enough to make one curl up in a ball and hide in the trunk. I avoid traveling during holidays like I do the plague.
Then there are the holiday songs filled with winey celebrities. They go something like "You're all evil because it's Christmas and people in Africa don't even know and you get to cuddle up in you warm house with your gifts and are such jerks. You should listen to us and give all your money to these poor people. Just ignore the fact that we're celebrities and only singing a stupid song when we have millions we could give. We'll bug you instead." Yeah, I love those cheesy-trying-to-make-you-feel-guilty songs about as much as I love my yearly check-up with my OBGYN.
There's also a group of songs that have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they mention "snow" or "Christmas" once in the lyrics. Like this one song I heard the other day on the radio about two ex-lovers meeting in the frozen food section of the grocery store, trying to catch up, but feeling a void in their lives from a love that never lasted. At the end the snow outside turns to rain. Oh, I feel the cheer from that one! Excuse me while I go drown my sorrows with a jug of eggnog and a carton of truffles.
Seriously people, Christmas is a fun and wonderful holiday that celebrates the birth of the Savior and the magic of imagination and giving embodied in Santa Claus. These are happy things. I want my Christmas music to be beautiful, inspiring, and fun. None of this winy, preachy, depressing garbage. That's not what Christmas is about.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Family Pictures
We did family pictures last night. It's been awhile since the last time we had them done Jimmy was a baby. We didn't want to do them last year right before Jacob was born and the pictures became outdated. So this year we took the plunge. The kids were all AMAZING. The photographers were surprised how well they all behaved. Me too! We got a lot of photos taken and so I am going to post a bunch. Better get my money's worth!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Save me from Dr. Phil!
I should be laying down before the baby wakes up from his nap, Anna gets home from school, and the Dynamic Duo come back from playing at a friend's, but I am blogging instead. After all, quiet moments are rare.
I just finished wrapping a bunch of Christmas gifts. I thought I'd take advantage of not having any kids around and get it over with. Yes, I am done with my shopping minus a few items. But overall, I am done! It's a wonderful feeling. It helps to start early and keep it simple. But I digress.
While wrapping presents I thought I'd actually watch something on tv. (Gasp, right? Does the tv go on any channels other than Nick Jr during the day? Is it possible?) Then I remembered why I never try to watch anything during the daylight hours because there is nothing good on. Some things never change even after you grow up. I could pick a variety of soaps to watch, but my life has enough drama in it already and the only hunk that makes my heart skip a beat is currently in a Washington County court room. Or Dr. Oz can show me what diabetes does to my body by using hammers, drywall, and broken glass. (He knows how to make medicine exciting. Daytime tv at it's best!) Then there's Dr. Phil. Ugh. What new drama is he going to save us from today. Thank goodness for Dr. Phil! The man reminds me of a southern preacher and actually thinks he can perform earth shattering miracles. At least his ego claims to. Or how about "Inside Edition", where I can learn all about Tiger Woods and his many mistresses? Do I care? Thanks for proving that your fame has made you as idiotic as all the other celebrities. At that point "Diego" was looking pretty tempting. Good thing I finished wrapping my gifts and was saved from trying to drudge through any more channels.
I have thought of the perfect torture to use on me, aside from waiting in the doctor's office. Strap me to a chair and force me to watch day time tv. I promise I'll be spilling all my secrets in no time.
I just finished wrapping a bunch of Christmas gifts. I thought I'd take advantage of not having any kids around and get it over with. Yes, I am done with my shopping minus a few items. But overall, I am done! It's a wonderful feeling. It helps to start early and keep it simple. But I digress.
While wrapping presents I thought I'd actually watch something on tv. (Gasp, right? Does the tv go on any channels other than Nick Jr during the day? Is it possible?) Then I remembered why I never try to watch anything during the daylight hours because there is nothing good on. Some things never change even after you grow up. I could pick a variety of soaps to watch, but my life has enough drama in it already and the only hunk that makes my heart skip a beat is currently in a Washington County court room. Or Dr. Oz can show me what diabetes does to my body by using hammers, drywall, and broken glass. (He knows how to make medicine exciting. Daytime tv at it's best!) Then there's Dr. Phil. Ugh. What new drama is he going to save us from today. Thank goodness for Dr. Phil! The man reminds me of a southern preacher and actually thinks he can perform earth shattering miracles. At least his ego claims to. Or how about "Inside Edition", where I can learn all about Tiger Woods and his many mistresses? Do I care? Thanks for proving that your fame has made you as idiotic as all the other celebrities. At that point "Diego" was looking pretty tempting. Good thing I finished wrapping my gifts and was saved from trying to drudge through any more channels.
I have thought of the perfect torture to use on me, aside from waiting in the doctor's office. Strap me to a chair and force me to watch day time tv. I promise I'll be spilling all my secrets in no time.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Yesterday I went to Home Depot to get some new weather stripping for our front door. I've gone there enough times that I was smart enough to take the old stripping with me so I knew what kind to get. Pretty simple task. I was very grateful to the man and woman who were stocking stripping and helped me pick out the right kind. But I had even more fun reminding the male employee that appearances aren't always what they seem.
After helping me find the right size of stripping, this kind fellow started talking to me about installing it. He asked, "Do you have a husband?". I knew exactly where he was going this with this question and wish I had had of a great response, such as "Yes. Do you have a wife? Now that we're acquainted can we get on with the task at hand?" or "Isn't that a little too personal for weather stripping?", etc. I responded that I do and this man then told me that my husband could figure out how to install the stripping. (Whoa buddy! Back up there a minute!) I told him that, in fact, my husband didn't really do things like that, which is why I was the one out shopping for the stripping. "Oh", he responded and then told me he'd try to get a better answer from someone on how to install the stuff. I told him not to worry because I think I could figure it out since I was the one who took out the old weather stripping in the first place. Shot down, buddy!
I have to be perfectly honest that I was a little annoyed at this man's stupid sexist comment, especially in this day and age where there seems to be no limits to what one can do. Plus I don't like to be told that I can't do something. It makes sense to me that I do the home repairs. My husband has little time or interest in such things. Getting him to do home repairs is like pulling teeth because he hates it. I'm home a lot and I love to work with my hands. I have lists of projects I am continually working on to better beautify our home. Just because I'm lacking the male anatomy doesn't mean I am clueless when it comes to tools.
Maybe next time this guy will think before speaking and realize it's better to not judge a book by it's cover because you never know what's inside.
After helping me find the right size of stripping, this kind fellow started talking to me about installing it. He asked, "Do you have a husband?". I knew exactly where he was going this with this question and wish I had had of a great response, such as "Yes. Do you have a wife? Now that we're acquainted can we get on with the task at hand?" or "Isn't that a little too personal for weather stripping?", etc. I responded that I do and this man then told me that my husband could figure out how to install the stripping. (Whoa buddy! Back up there a minute!) I told him that, in fact, my husband didn't really do things like that, which is why I was the one out shopping for the stripping. "Oh", he responded and then told me he'd try to get a better answer from someone on how to install the stuff. I told him not to worry because I think I could figure it out since I was the one who took out the old weather stripping in the first place. Shot down, buddy!
I have to be perfectly honest that I was a little annoyed at this man's stupid sexist comment, especially in this day and age where there seems to be no limits to what one can do. Plus I don't like to be told that I can't do something. It makes sense to me that I do the home repairs. My husband has little time or interest in such things. Getting him to do home repairs is like pulling teeth because he hates it. I'm home a lot and I love to work with my hands. I have lists of projects I am continually working on to better beautify our home. Just because I'm lacking the male anatomy doesn't mean I am clueless when it comes to tools.
Maybe next time this guy will think before speaking and realize it's better to not judge a book by it's cover because you never know what's inside.
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